Front drive Kluger
Next generation of Toyota's mid-sized SUV will be putting the moves on Ford's TerritoryIt's been an open secret that Toyota was considering a front-wheel drive version of the Kluger SUV (more here). One week before the international launch of the new model in America comes official word that the 4WD Kluger will be joined by a two-wheel drive alternative.
The initiative is recognition by Toyota that not everybody who buys an SUV necessarily wants or needs the extra cost and complication of drive to all four wheels.
Toyota has no doubt been watching the success of Ford's Territory, which is reputed to sell in greater numbers as a two-wheel drive (RWD) car than as a 4WD.
A sales split for the Territory of 55.6 per cent RWD versus 44.4 per cent 4WD is cited by Toyota as the impetus for the decision to import the Kluger in FWD form.
One other sign that the new Kluger will be attempting to take market share from the Territory is the standard inclusion of a reversing camera, something that Ford has used to great advantage in the Territory's marketing.
Further pressure on the Kluger is coming from the direction of Holden's Captiva, which may undercut the FWD Kluger on price -- and still with the advantage of 4WD. Toyota will be looking very carefully at pricing.
The new '45 Series' Kluger is larger than the 40 Series model it replaces. Power now comes from a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with variable valve timing and boasting an output of 200kW.
As for the current model, the new Kluger will be sold in five-seat and seven-seat configurations and both layouts will be available for the front-wheel drive variants.
The Kluger is due for local release in August.
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